An analysis of the vertical velocity field computed by a three-dimensional model in the region of the Bering Strait

The main features of the general circulation in the region of the Bering Strait are summarized.This flow has been simulated by a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, which is briefly described with some emphasis on the initial and boundary conditions. The modelled vertical velocity field is analyse...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Deleersnijder, E.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 1994
Subjects:
INE
Online Access:http://www.vliz.be/nl/open-marien-archief?module=ref&refid=25261
Description
Summary:The main features of the general circulation in the region of the Bering Strait are summarized.This flow has been simulated by a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, which is briefly described with some emphasis on the initial and boundary conditions. The modelled vertical velocity field is analysed. First, it is suggested to regard the vertical velocity as the sum of two components, namely the upsloping and the upwelling velocity. Next, the fields of upwelling and upsloping velocity are examined and it is seen that the vertical motions predicted by the model are qualitatively in agreement with the existence of a cold water plume downstream of the Anadyr Strait. Finally, a successful attempt is made to explain the upwelling phenomena found in the model results by a mechanism which relies on the velocity veering induced by the bottom stress, is independent of wind forcing, and is inspired by the classical theory of Ekman pumping.